ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the teachers' and learners’ benefits and challenges in using social media as a foundation for an intervention program in the Schools District of Sara within the academic year 2025-2026. The respondents of this research were the ten (10) selected teachers and ten (10) learners. Based on the study's results, the benefits of teachers' use of social media for instruction included enhanced communication, professional development, networking, and resource sharing. The challenges encountered were disinformation, constant distractions, and gaps in digital literacy. However, the coping strategies were professional development and training, setting boundaries and limits, and technical support. The benefits for learners were improving communication, fostering collaboration on projects, and providing access to educational resources. The challenges they encountered were distractions, poor time management, and slow internet connectivity. However, their coping strategies included staying organized, easy communication, and using privacy settings. The study's results served as the basis for a policy intervention program.
Keywords: Teachers and Learners, Benefits and Challenges, Social Media, Intervention Program
INTRODUCTION
Reading is emphasized as the cornerstone of all academic The rapid growth of social media has expanded the ease and volume of course content dissemination, further enhancing the attractiveness of digital learning communities. The evolution of internet technology has made it the best medium for communication.
Using social media and mobile devices in learning has its pros and cons. On the positive side, they make it easier to get class materials, watch videos, and share notes, but they also come with challenges that need careful handling. Teachers and learners perceive social media and mobile devices as inexpensive and convenient tools for obtaining relevant information (Zhu, 2022).
`Approximately two-thirds of worldwide internet users engage with social networking or blogging platforms, which function as vital tools in communicating and connecting with others. Social networking sites (SNSs) are online Communities of Internet users who want to communicate with other users about areas of mutual interest, whether from a personal, business, or academic perspective (Chen & Kinshuk, 2020).
On Facebook or Messenger, social relations among teachers increased. It is used to increase thinking and communication between people. With just a few clicks, users can access multiple social networking platforms. These tools exert considerable influence on educators, and extensive research has been conducted on their use, each study offering distinct insights. Some say that social media negatively affects teachers' performance, while others say it improves users' learning and communication skills (Grant, 2023).
On the other hand, studies have found that learners and teachers enjoy using social media for class assignments, particularly in urban schools. Social media has been used primarily to elicit instant feedback in face-to-face classes, to provide timely updates on course information, and to motivate teachers and students through new technologies (Lin & McLoughlin, 2023).
The impact of social media sites is that they help teachers improve their performance across academic subjects. Teachers know what is expected of them because the goals are clear. Teachers' performance can be measured because goals are concrete, achievable, and realistic.
However, the researcher observed that some teachers in upland schools find it difficult to integrate technology into the classroom due to limited exposure to social media. It is important to understand these gaps to translate technological changes into classroom practice.
Thus, the study was conducted to determine the benefits, challenges, and coping strategies of teachers and learners in using social media for instruction, as a basis for an intervention program.
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